Donald W. Fox, also known as “Donnie”, “Don”, “DB”, “Foxy”, and “Donnie Bill”, 70, of Galesburg, IL formerly of Alexis, IL, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, IL.
DB was born January 17, 1956 in Moline, IL the son of Charles R. and Shirley A. (McDowell) Fox. He was raised in God’s Country, North Henderson, IL, east side, south of the tracks. He graduated from Alexis High School in 1975 and later attended Central College in Pella, IA.
DB married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Julie A. Olin on April 21, 1979 at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Alexis and she survives.
He began working at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad in Galesburg in 1977. He held many positions over his 39-year career, retiring on January 30, 2016 as a Carman Relief Foreman.
DB’s love of sports was a constant throughout his entire life. He participated in softball, baseball, basketball, football and ran track. One of his proudest moments of his high school years was getting 2nd place in the very first Illinois State Championship Football game in November of 1974. Alexis lost to Decatur 15-6. He spent decades of his life helping and supporting the Alexis Cardinals sports while his daughters attended school. He spent endless hours with his daughters, coaching, playing catch, shooting hoops and never missing a game. One of his passions was sports statistics, not only for the Alexis teams but numerous other teams and sports in the greater Alexis area.
DB was a beloved son, husband, father, grandson, brother, uncle, papa, grandpa, father-in-law and friend. Above all else, his granddaughters were the center of his world and the joy he cherished most. He will be remembered for his quick wit and perfectly timed sarcasm that brought laughter to every room.
Survivors include his wife, Julie Fox; his daughters, Mandy (Dallas) Rodiek and Amy (Nick) Hennenfent; 5 grandchildren, Kenleigh, Evey, Iris, Kali, and Keeley; his mother, Shirley Watson; his sister, Brenda Peterson; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father; 2 brothers, Tom Fox and Larry Paul “LP” Fox; his sister Linda Fox.
A gathering of family and friends will be Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Western Illinois Fieldhouse, 101 N. Holloway St. Alexis, IL. Cremation has been accorded. Memorials may be given to the Amyloidosis Research Consortium or the United Red Storm Sports Boosters and sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
